Novation Dicer Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Novation's Dicer is an exceptionally flexible midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Novation Dicer with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Dicer.

Article Contents

1. Does the Novation Dicer work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Novation Dicer come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dicer to ableton
4. How to midi map the Novation Dicer in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dicer
   1. Saving your Dicer Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Novation Dicer work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Novation Dicer is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Dicer can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Dicer is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Dicer.

Does the Novation Dicer come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Dicer, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard's 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Dicer to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Dicer with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Dicer to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dicer and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Dicer from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dicer are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Dicer (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Dicer with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Novation Dicer to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Dicer, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dicer.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dicer will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Dicer

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Dicer, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Dicer Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Dicer can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Dicer, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool 'Control Surface Studio' is exactly what you need!
With it, you'll be able to:
- save and re-use your Dicer's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dicer,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dicer, than Live's internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can't I hear my Dicer in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dicer is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dicer is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dicer.
4. Make sure that the Dicer is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.